Guide hachette des vins 2022: eight great gérard bertrand wines awarded

Of the 35,000 French wines tasted blind in 2021 by wine professionals, the juries of the Guide Hachette des Vins 2022 selected 8,000. The selection has just been released and eight exceptional Gérard Bertrand wines receive an award this year. A look back at the award-winning wines with tasting details.

L'Aigle Royal Pinot Noir, IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude, 2018, 2 stars: A light ruby colour, well-suited to a pinot noir, and a blossoming, intense, pleasant nose — an agreeable compromise between the brilliance of the (red) fruit and the vanilla imprint of the barrel. A fruity intensity that does not wane on a rather chiselled palate, of becoming lightness, supported by silky tannins. A savoury and refined pinot noir. 

Tautavel Hommage aux vignerons, Red, AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2019, 2 stars: The nose is marked by a note of cherry eau-de-vie, then opens on black fruits. Balance and imposing substance, nuanced with leather and liquorice, are present in this wine that is still developing. 

Domaine Georges Bertrand Cuvée d'Exception, Red, AOP Corbières Boutenac, 2019, 2 stars: A blend of 4 grape varieties aged 6 months in barrels. Ripe fruit, garrigue, roasting, a fresher touch: the nose does not lack seduction. Generously oaked, the palate, round on the attack and firmer on the finish, is equally seductive. Modern and flattering. 

L'Indomptable de Cigalus Rouge, IGP Aude Hauterive, 2019, 1 star: No fewer than 8 grape varieties blended in this warm red wine, very much in keeping with the vintage. Notable for its deep ruby colour, its richly fruity and spicy nose, and its opulent palate that charms with its heady roundness, its well-coated tannins and its warm aromas of blackberry jam and spices. 

L'Indomptable de Cigalus Blanc, IGP Pays d'Oc, 2020, 1 star: A coup de cœur in the 2018 vintage, this cuvée returns on great form. Initially reserved, the nose diffuses the brioche and toasted notes of a vinification and ageing under oak. An ageing that accompanies a round and full palate, with frank pastry notes, quickly refreshed by a well-pitched acidity. A modern, structured, table white, offering good cellar potential. 

Réserve Gérard Bertrand Fitou, Red, AOP Fitou, 2019, 1 star: Carbonic maceration for the carignan and traditional for the grenache, this classic fitou presents a garnet robe with purple reflections. The nose is fine and elegant, with red fruits, soft spices and oak. The palate offers aromas of cherry and toast, supported by smooth tannins and a fine freshness. 

Tautavelissime, AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2019, Red, 1 star: Violet garnet, this wine with woody notes appears ample and full-bodied. Empyreumatic notes are present. A wine to keep in the cellar. 

Château La Soujeole Grand Vin Rouge, AOP Malepère, 2019, Red, 1 star: This premium blend of cabernet franc, merlot and malbec will have spent 12 months in barrel. The nose recalls this with its vanilla notes against a backdrop of crushed black fruits, with a discreet animal touch. Ample and intense on the attack, the palate is firmly structured, powerful, marked by oak and vigorous tannins. A fine edifice that invites patience.